Why the markets are hitting new highs, even as the economy falters
Australia’s economy powered out of the 2020 lockdowns to record three quarters of strong GDP growth through to the first quarter of this year. With June 2021 quarter data on Wednesday, can that momentum continue or did the end of Job Keeper wage subsidy and weak consumer data herald a slide to a double-dip recession?
BetaShares economist David Bassanese shares his view on what the data will tell us and how markets are preparing for it.
Will the momentum continue? – Themes to watch for this reporting season
The February reporting season was the strongest in 20 years, underpinned by record earnings upgrades. But can the momentum continue? With August earnings approaching, Morningstar Head of Equity Research Peter Warnes says the news is likely to be mixed this time around and provides some tips on what to look out for to ride the global recovery.
Positioning your portfolio for inflation
Investors will need to start thinking about how to position their portfolio for rising inflation with expected economic growth in the wake of large-scale fiscal support and stimulatory money policy.
Inside the SPAC hype: What investors need to know
Markets across the world are experiencing a boom in SPACs - a Special Purpose Acquisition Company. Branded as blank-cheque companies, the overseas enthusiasm for these companies remains robust in 2021, and while there are no signs that Australia is about to embrace blank-cheque companies, there are some cautionary lessons for local investors investing offshore.
Investor implications from the "pandemic" budget
Big spending initiatives in the 2021 Federal Budget aim to drive economic growth. With the risk of inflation low, investors can expect a positive outlook for asset markets.
Banking on dividends
There is some good news for income-seeking investors with possible buybacks in the pipeline as the big banks reported a lift in dividend payments in the May reporting season.
Record economic rebound
National Accounts
Biggest lift in spending in 12 years
Retail trade | Statement on Monetary Policy
Tailoring advice for different client personalities
When offering financial advice to clients it’s important to understand their unique personalities and behaviours.
Year in Review. Year in Preview
2020 recap and 2021 outlook
The Big Issues of 2021
COVID-19 | The Biden era | Monetary policy | China | Climate change | Economic inequality | Employment | Migration.
Millennial investors see opportunity in 2020 disruption, despite risks
Online brokers are seeing record numbers of account openings despite market volatility. Financial advisers are well placed to assist new investors.
Australia in recession: the key factors affecting our economic recovery
All eyes will be on the RBA in November and December as it ponders a potentially significant rate cut. But there are other factors to consider in the face of a very uneven recession.
What US exposure means for investors
Australian investors who bet on the US tech mega-caps to outperform through the COVID-19 pandemic have been handsomely rewarded. However, the way forward is less certain.
The role of super funds during COVID-19
Access to their super has assisted many Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. But these savings will also need to underpin the recovery as we navigate out of economic crisis.
The economics of COVID-19
Weekly Petrol Prices | Business Indicators | Credit | Inflation gauge | China data
Portfolio construction in uncertain times
Portfolio review and asset allocation are critical during heightened market volatility. And there are lessons to be learnt from how fund managers handle similar challenges.
Trading in volatile times
Times of volatility may call for revised trading strategies. This piece looks at areas where advisers can improve, especially when placing large trades in the marketplace.
Beyond COVID-19: key metrics and sectors to watch over 2020
CommSec Senior Economist Ryan Felsman considers how the recovery from COVID-19 will play out and picks the sectors most likely to thrive and flounder.
Economic update: What advisers need to know
In periods of market volatility it is vital that advisers keep clients focused on their plan. It is also a chance to reinforce why financial advice is integral to meeting long-term goals.
The sharing economy: will disrupted incumbents bounce back in 2020?
The sharing economy will continue to disrupt established businesses but CommSec Chief Equities Economist Craig James warns that incumbents are increasingly finding ways to fight back.
Investing when the market is volatile
Economic backdrop: Market volatility at record highs; what should investors look at in a volatile market; and keeping an eye on your portfolio